#chitika

[the-learning-hub]

What Are the Best Ways to Make Ad Revenue? Google AdSense, Media.net, and Chitika

Are you looking to make money from your website or blog? One of the ways you can do this is by using ad revenue. Google AdSense, Media.net, and Chitika are all popular options to monetize your website. But which one is the best way to make ad revenue? In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of Google AdSense, Media.net, and Chitika. By the end, you will have a better understanding of…

[tomorrowusa]

One of Donald Trump's favorite blacks, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL-19), had flattering words to say about Jim Crow segregation.

“You see, during Jim Crow, the Black family was together,” Mr. Donalds said. “During Jim Crow, more Black people were not just conservative — because Black people have always been conservative-minded — but more Black people voted conservatively.” Mr. Donalds’s comments drew criticism from members of President Biden’s campaign, which has been trying to shore up his diminished support from voters of color, particularly among Black men. Sarafina Chitika, a spokeswoman for Mr. Biden’s campaign, assailed Mr. Donalds’s remarks. “Donald Trump spent his adult life, and then his presidency, undermining the progress Black communities fought so hard for — so it actually tracks that his campaign’s ‘Black outreach’ is going to a white neighborhood and promising to take America back to Jim Crow,” Ms. Chitika said in a statement to The New York Times. She said that Black voters would reject Mr. Trump’s “racist agenda” in November. Representative Hakeem Jeffries, Democrat of New York and the House minority leader, also condemned Mr. Donalds on Wednesday, making a thinly veiled reference to the congressman during remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. “That’s an outlandish, outrageous and out-of-pocket observation,” Mr. Jeffries said of Mr. Donalds’s comments, pointing to the lynchings and inequities that defined the Jim Crow era. “How dare you make such an ignorant observation? You better check yourself before you wreck yourself.”

Rep. Jeffries, my district representative, does have a way with words. Can't wait until he's Speaker next year. 😊

FYI...

During the Jim Crow era, which lasted from the end of the Civil War until the 1950s, Black people in the United States were subjected to legal and social segregation and were brutalized by racist authorities. They were denied voting rights and could not check into white-only hotels or buy homes in predominantly white neighborhoods. The discrimination of the era severely disadvantaged Black families from an economic standpoint, often creating the need for larger families — and contributing to the widely-held belief among Black conservatives that they were more unified.

How would Donalds even be able to track black political affiliation during Jim Crow? Most blacks in the South faced legal barriers which prevented them from voting from the late 19th century until the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Donalds is from Florida where history is being whitewashed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis; so Donalds is a rather faulty history teacher.

Perhaps when DeSantis isn't looking, Donalds should get caught up on some real history.

Donald Trump’s long history of racism, from the 1970s to 2020

Donalds is just another obsequious Republican who grovels at the feet of Donald Trump in hope of getting a few crumbs tossed in his direction. Maybe Donalds thinks that praising the segregation era will get Trump's attention and help him get a spot as Trump's running mate.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Charisma Madarang at Rolling Stone:

Donald Trump, who earlier this month threatened to jail his political opponents, upped his authoritarian rhetoric during a campaign rally at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. When speaking to supporters from the swing state, where both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have doubled efforts to capture the election count in November, Trump lamented the criticism aimed at the Supreme Court‘s conservative supermajority and said it should be “illegal.”

“They were very brave, the Supreme Court. Very brave. And they take a lot of hits because of it,” said the former president. “It should be illegal, what happens. You know, you have these guys like playing the ref, like the great Bobby Knight. These people should be put in jail the way they talk about our judges and our justices, trying to … sway their vote, sway their decision”. Trump, who appointed three of the Supreme Court’s six conservative justices, specifically praised the Supreme Court for overturning Roe v. Wade and allowing states to ban abortion, saying it “took a lot of courage.” He said abortion will forever remain a state issue, not a federal one, and complained that Democrats are upset about it. “All they can talk about is abortion. That’s all they talk about, and it really no longer pertains,” he said. “The issue of reproductive freedom certainly ‘pertains’ to women all across this country, especially as we learn women are losing their lives under Donald Trump’s extreme abortion bans,” Harris campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said in statement after his speech.

[...] Trump’s remarks about jailing those criticizing judges and justices align with his previous sentiments that he would be a dictator if re-elected but only on “Day One” in office. His desire to squash any hint of opposition if he were to return to the White House was again on full display in a Truth Social post made in early September, during which he threatened to jail people “involved in unscrupulous behavior” this election.

Donald Trump earlier this week suggested that people who criticize Supreme Court justices should be jailed, revealing that this man is anti-1st Amendment.

Preserve the 1A, vote Kamala Harris!

[mitchipedia]

Trump threatens to jail adversaries in escalating rhetoric ahead of pivotal debate.

The Associated Press, via the Las Vegas Sun:

Trump’s message represents his latest threat to use the office of the presidency to exact retribution if he wins a second term. There is no evidence of the kind of fraud he continues to insist marred the 2020 election; in fact, dozens of courts, Republican state officials and his own administration have said he lost fairly.

Just days ago, Trump himself acknowledged in a podcast interview that he had indeed “lost by a whisker.”

While Trump’s campaign aides and allies have urged him to keep his focus on Harris and make the election a referendum on issues like inflation and border security, Trump in recent days has veered far off course.

On Friday, he delivered a stunning statement to news cameras in which he brought up a string of past allegations of sexual misconduct, describing several in graphic detail, even as he denied his accusers’ allegations. Earlier, he had voluntarily appeared in court for a hearing on the appeal of a decision that found him liable for sexual abuse, turning focus to his legal woes in the campaign’s final stretch.

Earlier Saturday, Trump had leaned into familiar grievances about everything from his indictments to Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election as he campaigned in one of the most deeply Republican swaths of battleground Wisconsin.

“The Harris-Biden DOJ is trying to throw me in jail — they want me in jail — for the crime of exposing their corruption,” Trump claimed at an outdoor rally at Central Wisconsin Airport, where he spoke behind a wall of bulletproof glass due to new security protocols following his July assassination attempt.

There’s no evidence that President Joe Biden or Harris have had any influence over decisions by the Justice Department or state prosecutors to indict the former president.

…

Harris campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika responded to his comments with a statement warning that, if Trump is reelected, he will “use his unchecked power to prosecute his enemies and pardon insurrectionists who violently attacked our Capitol on January 6."

…

As Trump was campaigning, Harris took a short break from debate prep to visit Penzeys Spices in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, where she bought several seasoning mixes. One customer saw the Democratic nominee and began openly weeping as Harris hugged her and said, “We’re going to be fine. We’re all in this together.”

Harris said she was honored to have endorsements from two major Republicans: former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, Liz Cheney, the former Wyoming congresswoman.

“People are exhausted, about the division and the attempts to kind of divide us as Americans,” she said, adding that her main message at the debate would be that the country wants to be united.

“It’s time to turn the page on the divisiveness,” she said. “It’s time to bring our country together, to chart a new way forward.”

Trump held his rally in the central Wisconsin city of Mosinee, with a population of about 4,500 people. It is within Wisconsin’s mostly rural 7th Congressional District, a reliably Republican area in a purple state.

During his speech, he railed against Harris in dark and ominous language, claiming that if the woman he calls “Comrade Kamala Harris gets four more years, you will be living (in) a full-blown Banana Republic" ruled by “anarchy” and “tyranny.”

Trump also railed against the administration’s border policies, calling the Democrats’ approach “suicidal" and accusing them of having “imported murderers, child predators and serial rapists from all over the planet."

Many studies have found immigrants, including those in the country illegally, commit fewer violent crimes than native-born citizens. Violent crime in the U.S. dropped again last year, continuing a downward trend after a pandemic-era spike.

[digitaltravelexpert]

Smart Search Engine Positioning With 6 Best Travel SEO Tips

What is search engine positioning for travel and hospitality industry brands in a competitive digital landscape where wanderlust meets the click of a mouse? The notion of travel and hospitality has transcended the realms of mere exploration to become an intricately woven tapestry of online presence and visibility. At the heart of this transformation lies the enigmatic concept of search engine positioning—a labyrinthine journey through algorithms and keywords, where the fate of travel and hospitality brands hangs in the balance of virtual rankings. In an era where every click holds the promise of adventure and every search query is a potential journey, understanding the nuances of search engine positioning is not merely about securing a coveted spot on the first page of Google—it's about orchestrating an immersive digital experience that inspires, entices, and transports the curious traveler to uncharted destinations, both real and imagined.

Why is Search engine Positioning Important?

Search engine positioning is crucial in the travel and hospitality industry, and the reasons are manifold. In an era where online visibility often translates to business success, securing a prime spot on search engine results pages (SERPs) can significantly impact a company's bottom line. Here's why: 1. Visibility Equals Revenue: Studies have consistently shown the correlation between search engine visibility and revenue generation. According to research by Chitika, the top result on Google's organic search results receives 33% of the traffic, while the second position garners around 18%. The drop-off continues as you move down the page, emphasizing the importance of ranking high. For the travel and hospitality sector, where consumers extensively research options before making bookings, this visibility translates directly into bookings and revenue.

2. Consumer Behavior Trends: According Internethealthreport, 90% of the Internet users make their search through Google. Another research by Google indicates that 74% of travelers plan their trips online. Moreover, approximately 82% of leisure travelers and 74% of business travelers use search engines as their primary source of travel-related information. These statistics underscore the critical role of search engines in shaping consumer decisions within the travel and hospitality sector. Businesses that appear prominently in search results are more likely to capture the attention of potential customers during their research phase. 3. Competitive Landscape: The travel and hospitality industry is fiercely competitive, with numerous players vying for consumer attention. A study by Moz revealed that 71.33% of clicks happen on the first page of Google's search results. This highlights the intense competition for those coveted spots. With competitors constantly optimizing their websites and content to improve their search rankings, maintaining a strong position requires ongoing effort and investment. 4. Trust and Credibility: High search engine rankings not only increase visibility but also contribute to perceived trust and credibility. Research by Search Engine Land suggests that 75% of users never scroll past the first page of search results. Securing a top position signals to potential customers that a company is reputable and relevant to their search query. In an industry where trust is paramount, particularly when making travel arrangements, this perception can significantly influence consumer behavior.

How to improve your search engine positioning

There are ways to improve search engine positioning in the competitive landscape of the travel and hospitality industry and they all demand a strategic approach melding cutting-edge digital tactics with an acute understanding of consumer behavior. Here are some thought-provoking 7 tips for a search engine positioning strategy, substantiated by data and industry insights: 1. Leverage Long-Tail Keywords: In the travel sector, consumers often conduct specific searches, such as "pet-friendly hotels near Central Park" or "family-friendly resorts in Hawaii." According to Search Engine Land , long-tail keywords account for 70% of all web searches. Crafting content around these precise queries can enhance visibility and attract more qualified leads to your website. 2. Optimize for Mobile Experience: With the surge in mobile usage, Google now prioritizes mobile-first indexing. Ensuring seamless browsing experiences across various devices is paramount. Google reports that 94% of leisure travelers switch between devices when planning or booking a trip. Responsive design and fast loading times are imperative to captivate mobile users and secure higher rankings. 3. Embrace Visual Content: Incorporating visually captivating elements like high-quality images and videos can significantly impact user engagement and retention. According to MDG Advertising, content featuring compelling visuals garners 94% more views than text-only counterparts. Invest in immersive multimedia experiences to entice visitors and encourage prolonged dwell times, signaling to search engines your content's relevance and authority.

4. Harness User-Generated Content (UGC): Encourage travelers to share their experiences through reviews, testimonials, and social media posts. Expedia Group reveals that 95% of travelers read reviews before booking accommodations. Authentic UGC not only fosters trust but also enhances search visibility by augmenting social signals and user engagement metrics. 5. Local SEO Optimization: Given the localized nature of travel services, prioritizing local SEO tactics can yield substantial dividends. Ensure consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information across online directories and listings. Additionally, claim and optimize your Google My Business profile to enhance visibility in local searches, especially pertinent for travelers seeking nearby accommodations, attractions, or dining options. 6. Content Depth and Authority: Establish your website as an authoritative resource by creating comprehensive, informative content. According to Backlinko, the average first-page result on Google contains 1,447 words. Craft in-depth guides, destination overviews, and insider tips to address travelers' queries comprehensively. Demonstrating expertise and providing valuable insights can bolster organic traffic and bolster search engine rankings. 7. Strategic Link Building: Foster relationships with influential travel bloggers, industry publications, and authoritative websites to acquire high-quality backlinks. A study by Moz indicates a strong correlation between backlinks and search engine rankings. Focus on earning natural, contextually relevant links from reputable sources to augment your site's authority and credibility in the eyes of search engines.

How to check your search engine position

In the ever-evolving landscape of the travel and hospitality industry, monitoring your search engine position is crucial for maintaining visibility and relevance in the digital sphere. Here's how you can effectively track your search engine position and why it matters: 1. Utilize SEO Tools: Leveraging powerful SEO (Search Engine Optimization) tools like Moz, SEMrush, or Ahrefs can provide comprehensive insights into your website's performance in search engine results pages (SERPs). These tools offer features such as keyword tracking, backlink analysis, and competitor research, allowing you to monitor your search engine position accurately. 2. Track Relevant Keywords: Identify and track the travel keywords that are most relevant to your business in the travel and hospitality sector. This includes terms related to destinations, accommodation types, travel experiences, and amenities. By focusing on these keywords, you can gauge your visibility and competitiveness within the industry. 3. Monitor Local Search Rankings: For businesses operating in specific geographic locations, local search rankings are particularly significant. Tools like Google My Business and BrightLocal can help you track your position in local search results, ensuring that your establishment appears prominently when users search for travel-related services in your area. 4. Analyze Traffic and Conversion Data: While tracking search engine position is essential, it's equally important to analyze traffic and conversion data to measure the effectiveness of your SEO efforts. Tools like Google Analytics provide valuable insights into website traffic sources, user behavior, and conversion rates, allowing you to refine your strategies for better performance. 5. Stay Updated with Industry Trends: The travel and hospitality industry is highly dynamic, with search engine algorithms frequently evolving to deliver more relevant and personalized results. By staying updated with industry trends and algorithm changes, you can adapt your SEO strategies accordingly to maintain or improve your search engine position. Why does it matter? 3 Easy Reasons 1. Visibility and Brand Awareness: A high search engine position ensures that your business is visible to potential customers when they're actively searching for travel and hospitality services. This increased visibility enhances brand awareness and attracts more traffic to your website. 2. Competitive Advantage: In a competitive industry like travel and hospitality, securing a top position in search engine results can provide a significant competitive advantage. It allows you to stand out from competitors and capture the attention of travelers who are in the decision-making phase. 3. Increased Website Traffic and Bookings: A strong search engine presence leads to higher website traffic, which in turn, can translate into more bookings and revenue for your business. By consistently monitoring and optimizing your search engine position, you can drive sustainable growth and success in the travel and hospitality industry.

Key Takeaways on Search Engine Positioning

In the dynamic landscape of the travel and hospitality industry, search engine positioning isn't merely about securing a top spot on Google; it's about crafting an experience that resonates with the desires and intentions of travelers while navigating the intricacies of algorithms. Data from various sources underscores the critical role of SEO positioning in shaping consumer behavior and driving business success in this sector. According to a study by Statista, approximately 76% of travelers begin their journey with a search engine. This statistic underscores the pivotal role of search engines in influencing travel-related decisions. Moreover, Google's dominance in search—capturing around 92% of the global market share—underscores the importance of understanding and optimizing SEO for its algorithms. In the travel industry, where choices are abundant and preferences diverse, achieving top SE positioning isn't just about visibility; it's about trust and relevance. Research by Think with Google reveals that 57% of travelers have more micro-moments—brief, intent-rich moments of decision-making—than they did just a few years ago. This highlights the need for travel brands to be present, useful, and persuasive at every stage of the consumer journey. Furthermore, the significance of mobile optimization cannot be overstated. Google's mobile-first indexing prioritizes mobile-friendly websites, reflecting the growing trend of travelers using smartphones to research, plan, and book their trips. A report by eMarketer suggests that by 2025, nearly three-quarters of internet users will access the web solely via mobile devices. Thus, search engine positioning strategies in the travel and hospitality industry must prioritize seamless mobile experiences to stay competitive. However, amidst the pursuit of top search engine rankings, ethical considerations come into play. A balance must be struck between optimization techniques and providing authentic, valuable content to users. Google's algorithms continue to evolve to prioritize user intent and quality, penalizing manipulative tactics such as keyword stuffing or link schemes. Sustainable search engine positioning services in the travel industry necessitate a commitment to transparency, relevance, and user-centricity.

Difference between SEO Positioning vs SEM Positioning

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Positioning: SEO focuses on improving a website's visibility in organic (unpaid) search engine results. It involves optimizing various aspects of a website, such as content, keywords, meta tags, and backlinks, to improve its ranking in search engine results pages. SEM (Search Engine Marketing) Positioning: SEM involves paid advertising campaigns to increase a website's visibility in search engine results. This typically includes activities such as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, where advertisers bid on keywords relevant to their business to display ads prominently in search engine results pages. Hurdles Faced by Small Travel Companies 1. Limited Budget: Small travel companies often struggle with limited marketing budgets compared to larger brands. This constraint makes it challenging for them to invest in comprehensive SEO and SEM strategies. 2. High Competition: Established travel brands dominate search engine results pages (SERPs) due to their extensive marketing budgets and brand recognition. This intense competition makes it difficult for smaller companies to rank higher in search results. 3. Resource Constraints: Small travel companies may lack the resources and expertise required to implement effective SEO and SEM strategies. They may not have dedicated teams or access to advanced tools and technologies. 4. Algorithm Changes: Search engine algorithms frequently change, requiring continuous adaptation and optimization efforts. Small companies may struggle to keep up with these changes, resulting in fluctuations in their search engine positioning. 5. Brand Recognition: Building brand recognition and trust takes time and consistent effort. Small travel companies may find it challenging to compete with well-established brands that already have strong reputations in the industry. Alternative Solution: Finding a Unique Niche Instead of directly competing with large travel brands in highly competitive markets, small travel companies can find success by identifying and targeting niche markets where they can excel. This approach involves focusing on specific segments of the travel industry that are underserved or overlooked by larger companies. Here's why this strategy can be effective: 1. Less Competition: Niche markets often have less competition compared to broader markets dominated by large brands. This allows smaller companies to establish themselves as leaders within their chosen niche. 2. Targeted Marketing: By catering to a specific audience with unique needs and preferences, small travel companies can tailor their marketing efforts more effectively. This targeted approach can result in higher conversion rates and better return on investment (ROI). 3. Specialized Expertise: Small companies can leverage their specialized expertise and knowledge in niche markets to provide exceptional value to customers. This can help build credibility and trust, leading to customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth referrals. 4. Personalized Experiences: Smaller companies have the flexibility to offer personalized travel experiences and customized services that larger brands may struggle to provide. This personalized touch can enhance the overall customer experience and differentiate the company from competitors. In summary, while small travel companies may face challenges in competing with larger brands in terms of SEO and SEM positioning, they can achieve success by focusing on niche markets where they can offer unique value propositions and excel. By identifying underserved segments of the travel industry and tailoring their offerings accordingly, small companies can carve out a profitable travel niche for themselves and establish a competitive edge in the market.

FAQs| SERPs and SEO Positioning

What is search engine placement?Search engine placement for travel brands refers to the position of a brand's website or content in search engine results pages (SERPs) when users search for relevant travel-related keywords or queries. It encompasses both organic (SEO) and paid (SEM) strategies to improve visibility and ranking in search engine results, ultimately driving traffic and potential customers to the brand's website or platform.How do I change my search engine position?No one has direct control over search engine rankings. Read the full article

[dankusner]

Johnson: ‘No Obamacare’ if Trump, Republicans win

WASHINGTON – House Speaker Mike Johnson told a crowd of supporters Monday night that there will be 'no Obamacare' if former President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans win the upcoming election on Tuesday.

Republicans will propose 'massive reform' to the Affordable Care Act if they win control of both chambers in Congress and the presidency, Johnson, R-La., said at a campaign event for Republican House candidate Ryan Mackenzie in Pennsylvania on Monday evening. 'Health care reform’s going to be a big part of the agenda,' Johnson said.

He added that the GOP wants to take a 'blowtorch to the regulatory state,' with health care among the key sectors they plan to focus on.

An attendee then asked Johnson 'No Obamacare?' referring to the ACA.

He laughed, rolled his eyes and replied, 'No Obamacare.'

'The ACA is so deeply ingrained, we need massive reform to make this work, and we got a lot of ideas on how to do that,' Johnson said, according to a video of the exchange first published by NBC News.

Republican leaders have floated repealing the ACA – a law that provides insurance coverage to millions of Americans and protects those with preexisting conditions – since it was enacted by Democrats in Congress and President Barack Obama in 2010.

Trump promised during the 2016 campaign to eliminate the law.

'We’ll be terminating Obamacare and we’ll be replacing it with so many different options, but you’ll have great health care at a fraction, a fraction of the cost,' Trump said during one of his final campaign rallies that fall.

The Trump administration never proposed a replacement, however, and his repeal effort failed in Congress when three Republican senators broke ranks.

Trump has vowed in 2024 to improve on the ACA but avoided proposing any specific policies.

After his September debate against Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump said he had 'concepts of a plan' that would be soon revealed.

The health care law is widely popular.

Around 45 million people are enrolled in ACA health plans, with a record number signing up in 2024, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

A Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that more than 60% of Americans held a favorable view of the law.

Harris has proposed expanding ACA enrollment if she’s elected, as well as extending Medicare coverage to include long-term home care for older adults and people with disabilities.

Her campaign responded to Johnson’s comments by saying that 'health care is on the ballot' in 2024.

'Speaker Mike Johnson is making it clear – if Donald Trump wins, he and his Project 2025 allies in Congress will make sure there is ‘no Obamacare,’' said campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika in a statement.

'That means higher health-care costs for millions of families and ripping away protections from Americans with preexisting conditions like diabetes, asthma, or cancer.'

Johnson rejected those claims.

[nationalpolitic]

Melania Trump Defends Abortion Rights in New Statement

Former First Lady Melania Trump has reinforced her stance on abortion rights, delivering a firm defense of women’s reproductive freedoms. In a recent video shared on social media, Trump called the right to choose “an essential liberty,” echoing the central theme of her upcoming memoir, Melania. This position directly contrasts with that of her husband, Donald Trump, and the broader Republican Party, both of which have consistently pushed for stricter abortion regulations. “Individual freedom is a fundamental principle that I safeguard,” Melania stated in the video, which was accompanied by classical music. She further emphasized, “There is no room for compromise when it comes to this essential right that all women possess from birth.” These remarks highlight her belief in personal autonomy over reproductive decisions and the importance of safeguarding such rights against government interference. Melania’s upcoming memoir elaborates on these views. In one section, she asserts, “Women should have full authority over their own bodies and be free from any external pressure when deciding whether to have children.” She also stresses that restricting abortion access is tantamount to denying a woman control over her own life, a belief she has held since her early adulthood. The timing of her remarks has garnered widespread attention, as it comes just weeks before the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Donald Trump’s role in overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022, after appointing three conservative justices, has been a focal point in the ongoing national debate over reproductive rights. With Republican-backed abortion bans sweeping various states, Trump’s record has sparked controversy and energized Democratic voters. While Donald Trump acknowledged his wife’s right to express her opinions, his stance remains firm. During a rally in Michigan, he remarked, “We spoke about it, and I told her, ‘You have to write what you believe.’” He emphasized that while he respects Melania’s views, he is committed to his platform. The clash between the Trumps has drawn responses from both sides of the political spectrum. Kamala Harris’s spokesperson, Sarafina Chitika, responded by stating, “Mrs. Trump’s defense of abortion rights is commendable, but her husband’s actions continue to endanger the health and freedoms of women across America.” As the election nears, Melania Trump’s outspoken support for abortion rights has injected a new dynamic into the ongoing debate over women’s reproductive freedoms, positioning her as a vocal advocate for personal liberty. Read the full article

[ivankahasbeentreatedsounfairly]

Former President Donald J. Trump drew criticism from several fellow Republicans on Sunday for his demeaning insults of Vice President Kamala Harris, a day after he called her “mentally disabled” and “mentally impaired” at a rally.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, pushed back on Mr. Trump’s remarks on Sunday. “I just think the better course to take is to prosecute the case that her policies are destroying the country,” Mr. Graham said on CNN, adding that he did not think Ms. Harris was crazy but did think her policies were.

Representative Tom Emmer — a Minnesota Republican who has been helping Senator JD Vance of Ohio, Mr. Trump’s running mate, prepare for his upcoming debate — also sought to distance himself from Mr. Trump’s personal attacks. “I think we should stick to the issues,” Mr. Emmer said on ABC News.

Larry Hogan, a former Republican governor of Maryland who is currently running for the Senate, offered a sharper rebuke.

“I think that’s insulting not only to the vice president, but to people that actually do have mental disabilities,” Mr. Hogan, who has often criticized Mr. Trump in the past, said on CBS News. “I’ve said for years that Trump’s divisive rhetoric is something we can do without.”

Steven Cheung, the communications director for the Trump campaign, did not directly address Mr. Trump’s insults or the critical responses they had prompted. He instead argued that Ms. Harris’s record on immigration and border security made her “wholly unfit to serve as president.”

In a statement, Mr. Cheung added that “her abhorrent dereliction of duty” at the border allowed criminals to “pour into our country to terrorize communities.”

Mr. Trump has long made personal attacks against Ms. Harris, even as some campaign advisers and Republican allies have urged him to stick to bread-and-butter policy issues that appeal to large swaths of voters. He has often demeaned her and questioned her racial identity, but at a rally in Prairie du Chien, Wis., on Saturday, he escalated those attacks, with a series of insults questioning her mental fitness.

“Joe Biden became mentally impaired,” Mr. Trump said. “Kamala was born that way.”

Mr. Trump’s remarks — which he himself described as “dark” — came a day after Ms. Harris delivered one of her party’s toughest speeches in a generation on immigration and border security. Mr. Trump repeated some of the insults at a rally Sunday afternoon in Erie, Pa., saying “there’s something wrong with Kamala.”

Democrats also seized on his comments. Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois criticized Mr. Trump’s remarks as “name-calling” on CNN.

“Whenever he says things like that, he’s talking about himself but trying to project it onto others,” Mr. Pritzker said.

Eric Holder, the former attorney general who served in the Obama administration, went further, suggesting that Mr. Trump’s comments indicated “cognitive decline.”

“Trump made a great deal of the cognitive abilities of Joe Biden,” Mr. Holder said on MSNBC. “If this is where he is now, where is he going to be three and four years from now?”

After Mr. Trump’s remarks on Saturday, the Harris campaign declined to comment on his personal attacks. A campaign spokeswoman, Sarafina Chitika, said in a statement that Mr. Trump offered “darkness” to voters rather than inspiration.

Just hours after Mr. Trump made the remarks, “Saturday Night Live” was joking about them as it opened its 50th season. “I cannot believe that Trump admitted he lost the debate to a mentally disabled person,” Colin Jost said on the show’s “Weekend Update” segment.

The American Association of People with Disabilities, a nonpartisan advocacy group, criticized Mr. Trump’s comments as both inaccurate and harmful.

“Trump holds the ableist, false belief that if a person has a disability, they are less human and less worthy of dignity,” Maria Town, the group’s president and chief executive, said in a statement. “Presidential history indicates that we’ve had many presidents who had disabilities.”

New York Times

By Simon J. Levien

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/29/us/politics/trump-insults-harris-republicans.html

[pashterlengkap]

Donald Trump scrambles to make voters think he supports abortion & IVF rights

Former President Donald Trump on Thursday scrambled to salvage any hope of earning the votes of suburban women and others opposed to Republican efforts to strip them of their bodily autonomy, even denouncing his state’s six-week abortion ban and promising free in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. “We want more babies, to put it very nicely,” Trump pandered. Related Southern Baptists just voted to oppose IVF Republicans are scrambling to combat the perception that they’ll ban IVF in an election year, but many religious conservatives oppose the procedure. Fearing the impact of two years of judicial and legislative assault on reproductive freedoms in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which ended federal protections for abortion rights, Trump went on offense Thursday, trying to soften his image on the issue. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today At a town hall in Michigan hosted by the anti-LGBTQ+ former Democratic Congresswoman and failed presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard, Trump claimed not only that he was a big supporter of IVF but that a second Trump administration would pay for the treatments. “I’m announcing today in a major statement that under the Trump administration, your government will pay for, or your insurance company will be mandated to pay for, all costs associated with IVF treatment,” the former president said in Potterville. “And for this same reason, we will also allow new parents to deduct major newborn expenses from their taxes so that parents that have a beautiful baby will be able, so we’re pro-family,” Trump continued. “I’ve been in favor of IVF right from the beginning,” Trump added. He didn’t specify how the free treatments — which normally run into the tens of thousands of dollars and higher — would be paid for or who would be eligible. IVF is a popular family-building tool for LGBTQ+ people. The Alabama Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that fertilized embryos had the same rights as children and adults, and their destruction in the process of IVF was murder. Assigning “personhood” to fertilized embryos is at the heart of Republicans’ efforts to ban abortion and hasn’t changed despite Trump’s efforts to paint a more moderate picture. “I kept hearing that I’m against it, and I’m actually very much for it,” Trump reiterated at an event in Wisconsin later in the day. The Harris-Walz campaign wasn’t buying it. “Donald Trump’s own platform could effectively ban IVF and abortion nationwide,” said Sarafina Chitika, a campaign spokesperson, following Trump’s promises of free stuff. “Trump lies as much if not more than he breathes, but voters aren’t stupid,” she added. In another effort to gaslight the public on Republicans’ true intentions around reproductive freedoms, Trump prevaricated in an interview with NBC on whether he would support Amendment 4 in his home state of Florida. The ballot initiative would render moot the state’s draconian six-week abortion ban in favor of restrictions in line with Roe. “Well, I think the six weeks is too short. It has to be more time,” Trump said. “And I’ve told them that I want more weeks.” Shortly after, the Trump campaign walked back the candidate’s declaration. In a statement to CNN, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, “President Trump has not yet said how he will vote on the ballot initiative in Florida, he simply reiterated that he believes six weeks is too short.” Both the Republican platform and Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s Christian nationalist-inspired blueprint for a second coming of the former president, redound with policy aimed at curtailing the right to choose. While the platform was watered down to avoid any mention of a national ban on abortion, both that document and Project 2025 lay the groundwork for revoking… http://dlvr.it/TCllR0

[tomorrowusa]

If digging oneself into a bigger hole were an Olympic sport, Donald Trump would get multiple gold medals.

Weird Donald doesn't understand when it's time to move on from a failed line of attack. That's one readon why it's so easy to goad him.

Harris campaign mocks Trump after his ‘I hate Taylor Swift’ post

Vice President Harris’s campaign mocked former President Trump in a release Sunday after he expressed his dislike for pop superstar Taylor Swift on Truth Social. “We’re pretty sure it’s Safe (& Sound) to say Donald Trump’s week has him Down Bad,” Harris’s campaign said Sunday in a release from spokesperson Sarafina Chitika on the social platform X, referencing multiple Swift songs. “Mr. Not-at-all Fine has spent this week working through his feelings, whining about his Champagne Problems, and spending exactly none of his time addressing the issues facing the American people,” Harris’s campaign continued. “His rambling, yelling, and constant conspiracy theories have many asking if The Man is ‘too emotional’ to be president.” The release included a Sunday post from Trump about the “Is It Over Now?” singer in which he said “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” Swift endorsed Vice President Harris earlier this week following a debate between her and Trump, saying on Instagram that she believes the vice president “is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.” “Donald Trump’s week of whining and spouting conspiracy theories has voters on both sides of the aisle ready to Forget That He Existed,” Chitika said, again referencing multiple Swift songs. “The American people want to be Out of the Woods of the chaos and division of the Trump era, leave behind the Blank Space of Trump’s broken promises, and Begin Again by electing Vice President Harris to ensure America’s future of opportunity is Long Lived.” On Wednesday, Trump brushed off Swift’s endorsement of Harris in an interview on “Fox & Friends.” “I was not a Taylor Swift fan,” Trump said.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation:

Former President Donald Trump on Thursday scrambled to salvage any hope of earning the votes of suburban women and others opposed to Republican efforts to strip them of their bodily autonomy, even denouncing his state’s six-week abortion ban and promising free in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. “We want more babies, to put it very nicely,” Trump pandered. Fearing the impact of two years of judicial and legislative assault on reproductive freedoms in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which ended federal protections for abortion rights, Trump went on offense Thursday, trying to soften his image on the issue.

At a town hall in Michigan hosted by the anti-LGBTQ+ former Democratic Congresswoman and failed presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard, Trump claimed not only that he was a big supporter of IVF but that a second Trump administration would pay for the treatments.

“I’m announcing today in a major statement that under the Trump administration, your government will pay for, or your insurance company will be mandated to pay for, all costs associated with IVF treatment,” the former president said in Potterville. “And for this same reason, we will also allow new parents to deduct major newborn expenses from their taxes so that parents that have a beautiful baby will be able, so we’re pro-family,” Trump continued. “I’ve been in favor of IVF right from the beginning,” Trump added. He didn’t specify how the free treatments — which normally run into the tens of thousands of dollars and higher — would be paid for or who would be eligible. IVF is a popular family-building tool for LGBTQ+ people. [...]

“I kept hearing that I’m against it, and I’m actually very much for it,” Trump reiterated at an event in Wisconsin later in the day.

The Harris-Walz campaign wasn’t buying it. “Donald Trump’s own platform could effectively ban IVF and abortion nationwide,” said Sarafina Chitika, a campaign spokesperson, following Trump’s promises of free stuff. “Trump lies as much if not more than he breathes, but voters aren’t stupid,” she added. In another effort to gaslight the public on Republicans’ true intentions around reproductive freedoms, Trump prevaricated in an interview with NBC on whether he would support Amendment 4 in his home state of Florida. The ballot initiative would render moot the state’s draconian six-week abortion ban in favor of restrictions in line with Roe.

Donald Trump is deceiving the American people by feigning support for IVF and limited abortion rights. In reality, his real stance (along with Project 2025 and the GOP’s plaform) is do nothing on (or ban) IVF usage and oppose abortion.

See Also:

HuffPost: 'Women Are Not Stupid': Democrats Scoff At Trump's Pledge To Cover IVF Costs

[whatchyagonnado2day]

Should I spend money on SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a crucial digital marketing strategy that helps businesses improve their online visibility and attract more organic traffic from search engines like Google. By optimizing various on-page and off-page elements, such as website content, structure, and backlinks, SEO aims to improve a website's ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs) for relevant keywords and phrases. In today's highly competitive digital landscape, SEO has become an essential component of any successful online marketing strategy, as it helps businesses reach their target audience and drive more qualified leads and sales.

A common query among those venturing into digital marketing is the financial commitment required for SEO. This assessment discusses the necessity and scale of budgeting required for implementing effective SEO strategies. It provides an overview of potential costs, offering insights for businesses and individuals planning their SEO investments

However, with the cost of SEO services ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per month, many businesses find themselves wondering if they should invest their hard-earned money in SEO. After all, SEO can be a complex and time-consuming process, and the results are not always immediate or guaranteed.

On the other hand, the potential benefits of SEO, such as increased organic traffic, higher search engine rankings, and improved online brand visibility, can be significant and long-lasting. Moreover, with more and more consumers relying on search engines to find products, services, and information online, businesses that don't invest in SEO risk falling behind their competitors and missing out on valuable opportunities for growth and success.

The purpose of this blog post is to explore the benefits and considerations of spending money on SEO services, and to help businesses make an informed decision about whether investing in SEO is the right choice for their specific needs and goals. We'll examine the potential risks and rewards of SEO, as well as the factors that businesses should consider when evaluating SEO providers and strategies. By the end of this post, you'll have a clearer understanding of the value of SEO and how to approach it as a long-term investment in your online success.

The Potential Benefits of Investing in SEO

Investing in SEO can offer a wide range of potential benefits for businesses looking to improve their online visibility, attract more qualified traffic, and drive long-term growth and success. Here are some of the key benefits that businesses can achieve by investing in SEO:

1. Increased organic traffic and visibility : One of the primary benefits of SEO is the ability to increase organic traffic to your website from search engines. By optimizing your website for relevant keywords and phrases, you can improve your search engine rankings and attract more qualified visitors who are actively searching for your products, services, or information. In fact, a study by BrightEdge found that organic search drives 53% of all website traffic, compared to just 15% for paid search and 5% for social media.

2. Higher search engine rankings and credibility: Investing in SEO can also help your business achieve higher search engine rankings for relevant keywords and phrases. When your website appears at the top of search results, it can establish your brand as a credible and authoritative source in your industry, leading to increased trust and loyalty among your target audience. According to a study by Chitika, the first organic search result on Google receives 32.5% of all click-throughs, while the second result receives 17.6% and the third result receives 11.4%.

3. Improved user experience and engagement : SEO is not just about optimizing for search engines, but also about creating a better user experience for your website visitors. By improving your website's content, structure, and navigation, you can make it easier for users to find what they're looking for and engage with your brand. This can lead to increased time on site, lower bounce rates, and higher conversion rates. In fact, a study by Forrester found that a well-designed user interface could raise a website's conversion rate by up to 200%, while a better UX design could yield conversion rates up to 400%.

4. Greater online brand awareness and authority : Investing in SEO can also help your business build greater online brand awareness and authority over time. By consistently creating high-quality, valuable content and earning high-quality backlinks from other reputable websites, you can establish your brand as a thought leader and expert in your industry. This can lead to increased social shares, media coverage, and referral traffic, as well as improved customer loyalty and advocacy.

5. Long-term, sustainable results and ROI : Unlike paid advertising, which stops generating traffic and leads as soon as you stop paying for it, SEO can deliver long-term, sustainable results and ROI for your business. By investing in a comprehensive, data-driven SEO strategy, you can build a strong foundation for your online presence that continues to generate traffic, leads, and revenue for your business over time. According to a study by Terakeet, the average ROI for SEO is $2.75 for every $1 invested, with some businesses seeing returns as high as $22 or more.

Of course, the specific benefits of SEO will vary depending on your business's unique needs, goals, and competitive landscape. However, by investing in quality SEO services and taking a long-term, strategic approach to your online presence, you can unlock the full potential of this powerful digital marketing channel and achieve sustainable growth and success for your business.

The Potential Benefits of Investing in SEO

Investing in SEO can offer a wide range of potential benefits for businesses looking to improve their online visibility, attract more qualified traffic, and drive long-term growth and success. Here are some of the key benefits that businesses can achieve by investing in SEO:

1. Increased organic traffic and visibility: One of the primary benefits of SEO is the ability to increase organic traffic to your website from search engines. By optimizing your website for relevant keywords and phrases, you can improve your search engine rankings and attract more qualified visitors who are actively searching for your products, services, or information. In fact, a study by BrightEdge found that organic search drives 53% of all website traffic, compared to just 15% for paid search and 5% for social media.

2. Higher search engine rankings and credibility : Investing in SEO can also help your business achieve higher search engine rankings for relevant keywords and phrases. When your website appears at the top of search results, it can establish your brand as a credible and authoritative source in your industry, leading to increased trust and loyalty among your target audience. According to a study by Chitika, the first organic search result on Google receives 32.5% of all click-throughs, while the second result receives 17.6% and the third result receives 11.4%.

3. Improved user experience and engagement : SEO is not just about optimizing for search engines, but also about creating a better user experience for your website visitors. By improving your website's content, structure, and navigation, you can make it easier for users to find what they're looking for and engage with your brand. This can lead to increased time on site, lower bounce rates, and higher conversion rates. In fact, a study by Forrester found that a well-designed user interface could raise a website's conversion rate by up to 200%, while a better UX design could yield conversion rates up to 400%.

4. Greater online brand awareness and authority : Investing in SEO can also help your business build greater online brand awareness and authority over time. By consistently creating high-quality, valuable content and earning high-quality backlinks from other reputable websites, you can establish your brand as a thought leader and expert in your industry. This can lead to increased social shares, media coverage, and referral traffic, as well as improved customer loyalty and advocacy.

5. Long-term, sustainable results and ROI : Unlike paid advertising, which stops generating traffic and leads as soon as you stop paying for it, SEO can deliver long-term, sustainable results and ROI for your business. By investing in a comprehensive, data-driven SEO strategy, you can build a strong foundation for your online presence that continues to generate traffic, leads, and revenue for your business over time. According to a study by Terakeet, the average ROI for SEO is $2.75 for every $1 invested, with some businesses seeing returns as high as $22 or more.

Of course, the specific benefits of SEO will vary depending on your business's unique needs, goals, and competitive landscape. However, by investing in quality SEO services and taking a long-term, strategic approach to your online presence, you can unlock the full potential of this powerful digital marketing channel and achieve sustainable growth and success for your business.

The Risks of Not Investing in SEO

While investing in SEO can offer a wide range of potential benefits for businesses, it's also important to consider the risks and opportunity costs of not investing in this crucial digital marketing strategy. Here are some of the key risks that businesses may face by not investing in SEO:

1. Losing ground to competitors : One of the biggest risks of not investing in SEO is the potential to lose ground to competitors who are investing in this strategy. If your competitors are optimizing their websites for relevant keywords, creating high-quality content, and building authoritative backlinks, they may be able to outrank your website in search results and attract more qualified traffic and leads. Over time, this can lead to a significant competitive disadvantage and make it harder for your business to catch up and regain market share.

2. Missing out on valuable organic traffic and leads : By not investing in SEO, businesses may also be missing out on valuable opportunities to attract organic traffic and leads from search engines. With more and more consumers using search engines to find products, services, and information online, businesses that don't have a strong presence in search results may be invisible to potential customers who are actively searching for what they offer. This can lead to a significant loss of potential revenue and growth opportunities over time.

3. Relying on paid advertising, which can be costly and less sustainable : Without a strong organic search presence, businesses may be forced to rely more heavily on paid advertising channels like Google Ads or social media advertising to attract traffic and leads. While these channels can be effective in the short term, they can also be costly and less sustainable over time. Paid advertising requires ongoing investment to maintain visibility and traffic, and the costs can quickly add up, especially in competitive industries or markets. Moreover, paid advertising does not typically deliver the same long-term benefits as organic search, such as increased brand awareness, credibility, and customer loyalty.

4. Struggling to establish online credibility and authority : Finally, businesses that don't invest in SEO may struggle to establish credibility and authority in their online presence. Without a strong presence in search results, high-quality backlinks from other reputable websites, or a consistent stream of valuable content, businesses may find it difficult to build trust and credibility with their target audience. This can lead to lower engagement rates, higher bounce rates, and ultimately, fewer conversions and sales.

It's important to note that the risks of not investing in SEO are not always immediately apparent, and may only become clear over time as competitors continue to invest in and improve their online presence. However, by taking a proactive, long-term approach to SEO and investing in quality services and strategies, businesses can mitigate these risks and set themselves up for sustainable online success.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in SEO will depend on a variety of factors, including your business's unique needs, goals, and resources. However, by carefully considering the potential risks and opportunity costs of not investing in this critical digital marketing channel, you can make a more informed and strategic decision about how to allocate your marketing budget and resources for long-term growth and success.

Factors to Consider When Deciding to Spend Money on SEO

When deciding whether to invest in SEO services, there are several key factors that businesses should consider to ensure they are making an informed and strategic decision. Here are some of the most important factors to evaluate:

1. Current website health and performance: One of the first factors to consider when deciding to invest in SEO is the current health and performance of your website. If your website is already performing well in search results and generating a steady stream of organic traffic and leads, you may not need to invest as heavily in SEO services. On the other hand, if your website is struggling to rank for relevant keywords, has technical issues or poor user experience, or is not generating enough organic traffic and leads, investing in SEO may be a wise decision to improve your online presence and performance.

2. Competitive landscape and industry trends: Another important factor to consider is the competitive landscape and industry trends in your market. If your competitors are heavily investing in SEO and consistently outranking your website in search results, it may be necessary to invest in SEO to stay competitive and avoid losing market share. Similarly, if your industry is experiencing significant growth or changes in consumer behavior, investing in SEO can help you stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on new opportunities for visibility and growth.

3. Marketing goals and objectives: Your business's specific marketing goals and objectives should also play a key role in deciding whether to invest in SEO. If your primary goal is to increase brand awareness, drive more organic traffic to your website, or improve your search engine rankings for specific keywords, investing in SEO can be a highly effective strategy. However, if your goals are more focused on short-term sales or lead generation, other marketing channels like paid advertising or email marketing may be more appropriate.

4. Budget and resources available : Of course, your business's budget and resources will also be a key factor in deciding whether to invest in SEO. While SEO can deliver significant long-term benefits and ROI, it does require an upfront investment of time, money, and resources. It's important to carefully evaluate your available budget and resources, and to set realistic expectations for what you can achieve with your investment. In some cases, it may be more effective to start with a smaller SEO budget and gradually scale up your efforts over time as you begin to see results and ROI.

By carefully considering these factors and working with a reputable SEO provider, businesses can make informed decisions about their SEO investments and develop strategies that deliver meaningful results and ROI over the long term.

How to Maximize the Value of Your SEO Investment 

Investing in SEO can be a significant financial commitment for businesses, so it's important to take steps to maximize the value and ROI of your investment. Here are some strategies for getting the most out of your SEO spending:

1. Choose a reputable, experienced SEO provider : One of the most important factors in maximizing the value of your SEO investment is choosing the right provider. Look for an SEO agency or consultant with a proven track record of success, a deep understanding of your industry and target audience, and a commitment to transparency and communication. A reputable SEO provider will work closely with you to develop a customized strategy that aligns with your business goals and budget, and will provide regular reports and updates on your campaign's progress and performance.

2. Set clear goals and KPIs for your SEO campaign : To maximize the value of your SEO investment, it's important to have clear, measurable goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) for your campaign. Work with your SEO provider to identify the specific metrics that matter most to your business, such as organic traffic, search engine rankings, leads, or revenue. By setting clear targets and tracking your progress over time, you can ensure that your SEO efforts are driving meaningful results and ROI for your business.

3. Invest in quality content and user experience : While technical SEO factors like site speed and mobile-friendliness are important, the quality and relevance of your website's content is ultimately what will drive engagement and conversions from your organic traffic. Invest in creating high-quality, informative, and engaging content that addresses your target audience's needs and interests, and optimize your content for relevant keywords and search intent. Additionally, focus on providing a seamless, intuitive user experience on your website, with clear navigation, fast load times, and compelling calls-to-action.

4. Monitor and adjust your strategy based on data and results : SEO is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring, analysis, and optimization to achieve the best results. Work with your SEO provider to regularly review your campaign's performance data and identify areas for improvement or adjustment. Be willing to pivot your strategy based on what's working and what's not, and continually test and refine your approach to maximize your ROI over time. By taking a data-driven, iterative approach to SEO, you can ensure that your investment is always working as hard as possible to drive results for your business.

Ultimately, maximizing the value of your SEO investment requires a long-term, strategic approach that prioritizes quality, relevance, and continuous improvement. By partnering with a reputable SEO provider, setting clear goals and KPIs, investing in quality content and user experience, and monitoring and adjusting your strategy based on data and results, you can achieve sustainable online visibility, traffic, and revenue growth for your business.

[truck-fump]

Anti-Trump conservatives chafe at DNC statement mocking Asa Hutchinson

New Post has been published on https://truckfump.life/2024/01/16/trump-dnc-asa-hutchinson-00135951/

Anti-Trump conservatives chafe at DNC statement mocking Asa Hutchinson

“This news comes as a shock to those of us who could’ve sworn he had already dropped out,” DNC spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said in the statement.

[dankusner]

Melania Trump suggests support for abortion rights

WASHINGTON – Melania Trump, the wife of Donald Trump, said in a video on Thursday that there was “no room for compromise” on a woman’s right to “individual freedom” – a position on abortion rights at apparent odds with that of her husband, the Republican presidential candidate.

Her comments come as Trump and his running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance, have attempted to soften the hard edges of the Republican Party’s position on abortion, a major obstacle in winning over female voters ahead of the Nov. 5 election.

“Individual freedom is a fundamental principle that I safeguard,” she says in the video that she posted to X to promote her memoir that is due to be released next week.

“Without a doubt, there is no room for compromise when it comes to this essential right that all women possess from birth, individual freedom. What does ‘my body, my choice’ really mean?”

Melania Trump, a former model who was first lady during Trump’s 2017-2021 term and has been mostly absent so far on the campaign trail, has a history of offering cryptic statements to the public.

In 2018, on a trip to the U.S. border, she wore a jacket that bore the slogan “I really don’t care, do you?” that went without explanation.

But in an excerpt from the memoir published by the Guardian on Wednesday, she was more explicit about her position on abortion rights.

“A woman’s fundamental right of individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she wishes,” she wrote.

Trump said he and Melania spoke about the issue and he told her to write “what you believe.”

“I said, ‘You have to stick with your heart.’ I’ve said that to everybody: you have to go with your heart,” Trump told Fox News.

“There are some people that are very, very far right of the issue – meaning without exceptions and then there are other people who view it a little bit differently than that.”

Trump had previously taken credit for appointing three U.S. Supreme Court justices who helped in 2022 to overturn the seminal abortion rights case, Roe v. Wade.

But since winning the Republican primary earlier this year, he has sought to offer a more nuanced stance on the issue as he seeks the support of moderate and independent voters.

He has decried six-week abortion bans as too restrictive, said he would not support a national ban on the procedure, and called for exceptions on any ban to include incidents of rape and incest or to protect the health of the mother.

During the vice presidential debate on Tuesday, as Vance tried to soften his own harsh stance on the issue, Trump posted online that he would veto any attempt by Congress to impose a national ban.

But Trump also has said individual states are free to restrict abortion as they choose, even if comes down to sharply restricting access, and several Republican-controlled states have done just that.

At a rally last month, Trump said that if he is elected, women “will no longer be thinking about abortion.”

His opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, has played up her support for abortion rights and has advocated for a full restoration of constitutional protections.

Harris campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said:

“Sadly for the women across America, Mrs. Trump’s husband firmly disagrees with her and is the reason that more than one in three American women live under a Trump abortion ban.”

Opinion polls consistently show that a large majority of Americans support abortion rights

Melania Trump passionately defends abortion rights in upcoming memoir Exclusive: ‘I have carried this belief with me throughout my entire adult life,’ former first lady writes in memoir

‘Restricting a woman’s right to choose whether to terminate an unwanted pregnancy is the same as denying her control over her own body,’ writes Melania Trump. Composite: Getty Images

Melania Trump made an extraordinary declaration in an eagerly awaited memoir to be published a month from election day: she is a passionate supporter of a woman’s right to control her own body – including the right to abortion.

“It is imperative to guarantee that women have autonomy in deciding their preference of having children, based on their own convictions, free from any intervention or pressure from the government,” the Republican nominee’s wife writes, amid a campaign in which Donald Trump’s threats to women’s reproductive rights have played a central role.

“Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body? A woman’s fundamental right of individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she wishes.

“Restricting a woman’s right to choose whether to terminate an unwanted pregnancy is the same as denying her control over her own body. I have carried this belief with me throughout my entire adult life.”

Melania Trump has rarely expressed political views in public. Her book, Melania, which reveals the former first lady to be so firmly out of step with most of her own party, will be published in the US next Tuesday. The Guardian obtained a copy.

Her decision to include a full-throated expression of support for abortion rights is remarkable not just given her proximity to a Republican candidate running on an anti-abortion platform, but also given the severe deterioration of women’s reproductive rights under Donald Trump and the GOP.

In 2022, in the supreme court case Dobbs v Jackson, three justices installed when Donald Trump was president voted to strike down Roe v Wade, the ruling which had protected federal abortion rights since 1973. Republican-run states have since instituted draconian abortion bans.

Donald Trump has tried to both take credit for the Dobbs decision – long the central aim of evangelical and conservative Catholic donors and voters – and avoid the fury it has stoked, saying abortion rights should be decided by the states.

But Democrats have scored a succession of election wins by campaigning on the issue, even in conservative states, and threats to reproductive rights, among them threats to fertility treatments including IVF, are proving problematic for Republicans up and down this year’s ticket.

Amid a blizzard of statements opponents deem misogynistic and regressive, JD Vance, Donald Trump’s pick for vice-president, has indicated he would support a national abortion ban – a move it seems his boss’s wife would be against.

Donald Trump himself recently got into a tangle over whether he would vote in November to protect abortion rights in Florida, a ballot his wife will also cast given their residence at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach. He eventually said he would vote no. Judging by her own words, Melania Trump appears likely to vote yes.

Her memoir is slim, long on descriptions of her youth in Slovenia, life as a model in New York and love for the man whose third wife she became, correspondingly short on policy discussion. Donald Trump provides a blurb, praising his wife’s “commitment to excellence … insightful perspective … [and] entrepreneurial achievements”.

Before discussing abortion, Melania Trump says she disagreed with her husband on some aspects of immigration policy, not least as an immigrant herself.

��Occasional political disagreements between me and my husband,” she writes, are “part of our relationship, but I believed in addressing them privately rather than publicly challenging him.”

And yet, later in her book, she states views on abortion and reproductive rights diametrically opposed to those of her husband and his party.

“I have always believed it is critical for people to take care of themselves first,” Melania Trump writes. “It’s a very straightforward concept; in fact, we are all born with a set of fundamental rights, including the right to enjoy our lives. We are all entitled to maintain a gratifying and dignified existence.

“This common-sense approach applies to a woman’s natural right to make decisions about her own body and health.”

Trump says her beliefs about abortion rights spring from “a core set of principles”, at the heart of which sit “individual liberty” and “personal freedom”, on which there is “no room for negotiation”.

Detailing “legitimate reasons for a woman to choose to have an abortion”, she includes danger to the life of the mother, rape or incest, often exceptions under state bans, and also “a congenital birth defect, plus severe medical conditions”.

Saying “timing matters”, Melania Trump also defends the right to abortion later in pregnancy.

She writes: “It is important to note that historically, most abortions conducted during the later stages of pregnancy were the result of severe fetal abnormalities that probably would have led to the death or stillbirth of the child. Perhaps even the death of the mother. These cases were extremely rare and typically occurred after several consultations between the woman and her doctor. As a community, we should embrace these common-sense standards. Again, timing matters.”

More than 90% of US abortions occur at or before 13 weeks of gestation, according to data from the CDC. Less than 1% of abortions take place at or after 21 weeks.

On the campaign trail, Republicans have blatantly mischaracterized Democratic positions on abortion. Last month, debating Kamala Harris, Donald Trump falsely said his opponent’s “vice-presidential pick … says that abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. [Tim Walz] also says: ‘Execution after birth’ – execution, no longer abortion because the baby is born – is OK.”

He was factchecked: it is not legal in any state to kill a baby after birth.

In response to news of Melania Trump’s support for abortion rights, Sarafina Chitika, a spokesperson for the Harris-Walz campaign, said in a statement: “Sadly for the women across America, Mrs Trump’s husband firmly disagrees with her and is the reason that more than one in three American women live under a Trump Abortion Ban that threatens their health, their freedom, and their lives.

“Donald Trump has made it abundantly clear: if he wins in November, he will ban abortion nationwide, punish women, and restrict women’s access to reproductive health care.”

The Trump campaign did not immediately comment.

On social media, Melania Trump doubled down, posting a short video in which she paraphrased remarks in her book.

On the page, Melania Trump issues a distinctly un-Trumpian appeal for empathy.

“Many women opt for abortions due to personal medical concerns,” she writes. “These situations with significant moral implications weigh heavily on the woman and her family and deserve our empathy. Consider, for example, the complexity inherent in the decision of whether the mother should risk her own life to give birth.”

Recent reporting has highlighted cases of women who have died in states where abortion has been banned.

She goes on to appeal for compassion.

“When confronted with an unexpected pregnancy, young women frequently experience feelings of isolation and significant stress. I, like most Americans, am in favor of the requirement that juveniles obtain parental consent before undergoing an abortion. I realize this may not always be possible. Our next generation must be provided with knowledge, security, safety, and solace, and the cultural stigma associated with abortion must be lifted,” writes the former first lady.

Finally, Melania Trump offers an expression of solidarity with protesters for reproductive rights.

“The slogan ‘My Body, My Choice’ is typically associated with women activists and those who align with the pro-choice side of the debate,” she writes. “But if you really think about it, ‘My Body, My Choice’ applies to both sides – a woman’s right to make an independent decision involving her own body, including the right to choose life. Personal freedom.”